A recent study has identified the top 10 entry-level jobs for new college graduates.

A recent study has identified the top 10 entry-level jobs for new college graduates.
A recent study has identified the top 10 entry-level jobs for new college graduates.

The class of 2022 is well-positioned to negotiate salary and benefits for their first post-grad job, as graduation is imminent.

What are the roles that will provide new graduates with the highest compensation, growth opportunities, and benefits, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2022 Job Outlook report?

A recent study by personal finance website WalletHub reveals that engineering offers the best entry-level job opportunities. To determine the best and worst first jobs, WalletHub analyzed 108 entry-level occupations based on three key factors: immediate job prospects, growth potential, and job hazards.

Using 12 metrics, such as average starting salary, projected job growth by 2030, and typicality of working over 40 hours a week, they calculated each job's total score and rank based on a weighted average.

According to WalletHub's report, these are the top 10 best entry-level jobs for 2022.

1. Software Engineer

Total Score: 81.07

2. Electronics Engineer

Total Score: 80.30

3. Engineer

Total Score: 79.92

4. Systems Engineer

Total Score: 79.68

5. Industrial Engineer

Total Score: 79.51

6. Electrical Engineer

Total Score: 79.21

7. Operations Research Analyst

Total Score: 78.86

8. Hardware Engineer

Total Score: 78.57

9. Web Applications Developer

Total Score: 78.52

10. Environmental Health and Safety Engineer

Total Score: 78.22

The report by WalletHub lists the top 10 worst entry-level jobs, including Architectural Drafter I, Consumer Credit Analyst I, Mechanical Drafter I, Claims Processing Clerk, Welder I, Aircraft Painter I, Building Inspector, Emergency Dispatcher, Floor Assembler I, and Boilermaker I.

Tax attorneys have the highest average starting salary at $102,509, which is 5.9 times higher than the job with the lowest starting salary, a college teaching assistant, at $17,428. Employee-relations specialists have the highest income growth potential.

On average, STEM workers earn $100,900 annually, with computer/information systems managers and agricultural/engineering managers being among the highest earners, making over $160,000 and $158,970 respectively, according to Morgan Smith of CNBC Make It.

Experts advise first-time job seekers to prioritize long-term job security in addition to compensation and benefits due to the unpredictability brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to David Earnhardt, an associate director of employer relations at UNC Asheville, in the report, any job or industry that demands creativity or problem-solving will persist. Examples of such jobs include graphic and website design, writing, database management, inside sales, customer service, architecture, and engineering. However, there are many more. If job security is a concern, it is recommended to collaborate with your state's career offices to explore all possibilities.

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by Ashton Jackson

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